Good Ole American Food...?

 

A week or so ago, on a very nice Sunday afternoon in October, we headed a little bit north to McKinney.  Our choice today was The Styx Icehouse.  Styx is a "hangout".  Family bar atmosphere with outside seating, lots of TV's, etc... a great place for a happy hour.  

It was pretty much open seating with lots of communal tables, benches, high tops on the inside, tables and games outside.  We opted inside.  

Starting with some cocktails, hubby had the Fall Fashioned... a large pour for $10 and was pretty tasty and he's pretty picky.  I opted for the Golden Sunset.  Smaller glass but you have to drink it fairly quickly as the egg white froth soaks up the alcohol.... I wouldn't order it again.  Their drink menu was pretty extensive and the draft beer selection had lots of options.   Not sure if it stays the same all the time... we'll see.  

Greated by our server, an extremely nice guy who was attentive the whole time we were there! My only criticism was when asked for his favorite dish, he quoted nearly the whole menu... 

Now on to the food. For appetizers we chose the Fried Pickles and Fried Jalepenos. It doesn't say on the menu but we did 1/2 and 1/2 for one order.  They were fried, they were (oven) hot, the jalepenos had a good bite to them.  Great for a happy hour app.   I however was not on my A game.  I thought I got a picture of the full menu but did not.  Shame on me.  

So,  main courses.  

For me the chicken fried steak, green beans and mashed potatos.. The green beans were the star here even tho they were hidden under the steak and gravy.  Mashed potatoes, served in a small cast iron dish were nice and hot... that's about it.  They needed seasoning. The chicken fried steak and cream gravy served hot... it needed seasoning.  Alot of seasoning.  The meat was just that.  The gravy had a nice consistency but I added salt and a ton of pepper.  Again,  the green beens were great.  Nothing needed to be added to them.  

Hubby opted for the fried catfish.  It came with fries, coleslaw and a tarter sauce.  Again,  all piping hot but lacking in flavor.  The fish seemed to have been purchased pre-battered frozen, then fried,  making it very watery.  Again... needed seasoning.  Fries were ok.. regular crinkle cut fries from a bag.  Not spectacular. The cole slaw, same... purchased pre-made?  Dunno but just so so.  

This would be a great happy hour venue, for a big group.  The cocktail and beer varieties were great.  The appetizers we had, good.  The service, great.  

 

Smoke Sessions

.... and now for something completely different. 

Last Saturday hubby and I took a little drive out to Royse City to try out a barbeque place.   Yep, I said BBQ.  I know for some of you that might be a little surprising but I was hungry for that taste.  

Smoke Sessions is right in the heart of Royse City, TX right smackdab on Hwy 66.  

Growing up on BBQ all my life I have pretty high standards.  I like what I like.  I use very little sauce.  I like the taste of the meat, not to be covered up with sauce, be it good or bad.  

You walk in and it reminds me of how it was growing up.  You walk up to a cafeteria style line and order by weight.  Choices are brisket, sausage, turkey, ribs.... if you go late in the day they may have run out of a few things. The one thing I missed walking in was the smoke smell.... 

For the food, I'm going to use a 1-5 rating system.  1 being low and no good, 5 being the best.

All the meats are sold in 1/2 or 1/4 pound increments ranging in price from  $10-$15 (by the 1/2 pound!)  I know bbq meat is expensive but I remember prices from many years ago and this just makes my eyes but out!  Our total bill was $53.  NOT including bar drinks. 

Turkey was all gone.  That's ok not a huge favorite.  I got brisket, ribs and hubby got spicy sausage and pulled pork. The guy at the block did ask if I wanted lean or other.  I always have some fatty bits with my brisket.  Sides to choose from were green beans, pinto beans, mac and cheese, potato salad and cole slaw. 

To go with my meats I got the mac and cheese and green beans.  So, starting with the brisket - it was ok,  nothing spectacular just ok.  Hubby and I both gave it a 3.  I did use some sauce for added flavor.... My ribs were a bit overcooked so they get a 2.  My sides of green beans and mac and cheese were great! The green beans reminded me of old fashioned, Thanksgiving style.  

Really good old fashioned green beans. 

Mac and cheese that was almost too good.  I could make a meal on the sides alone!

Hubby's choices of pulled port and spicy sausage with potato salad and the brisket beans. First impressions of the sausage was not great for me.  Hubby liked it and we both think it is made in house.  Not firm like mass produced sausage so the texture was a little loose. That didn't bother hubby.  Neither did the spice.  It was way to spicy for me.  I gave it a 2.  He gave it a 3. (I did use leftovers for an egg scramble the next morning with good results).  The pulled port.... only a 2.  Very dry for our taste so lots of sauce needed.  The Brisket beans were outstanding! they get a 4+.  So the sides here are true winners  

Sessions does have a full bar but you have to order and pay separately.... and my 6 oz drink, a Dirty Palmer was $9.  WOW, $$$ pricey.  

The building is really nice and most people wouldn't be as picky as me on the bbq. Outside they have tables, corn hole throws... etc... but no shade.  

More adventures in food to come.